Green beans with mushrooms is a classic side dish that's both nutritious and delicious. The crisp green beans combined with the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms make it a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of meals. Whether you're serving it alongside roasted chicken, grilled steak, or even a plant-based main course, this dish will not disappoint. Ready to learn how to make it? Read through the full recipe to discover how you can cook the perfect green beans with mushrooms in your kitchen. Let's dive into the ingredients, cooking tips, and step-by-step instructions to make this easy, flavorful dish!
What Are Green Beans with Mushrooms?
Green beans with mushrooms is a simple, savory dish that combines the fresh, crisp texture of green beans with the rich, umami flavor of sautéed mushrooms. The addition of red onions or shallots, butter, and chicken stock enhances the overall flavor, making it a versatile side that can be served with a variety of meals. This recipe brings out the natural sweetness of the vegetables while incorporating a depth of flavor from the chicken stock and butter.
Ingredients List for Green Beans with Mushrooms
To make this delicious green beans with mushrooms recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed: Green beans are the star of this recipe, providing a tender-crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the mushrooms.
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt (plus more as needed): Salt is essential to enhance the natural flavors of the vegetables.
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle kick to the dish.
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, cut into thick slices: Cremini mushrooms are the perfect choice for this dish due to their deep, earthy flavor.
- 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced (or shallot): Red onion adds sweetness, but you can substitute with a shallot for a milder flavor.
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces: Butter adds richness and helps to sauté the vegetables evenly.
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken stock (plus more as needed): The chicken stock provides moisture and enhances the dish's savory depth. You can substitute with vegetable stock for a vegetarian option.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re missing an ingredient or want to tweak the flavor to your liking, there are many substitutions and variations you can try:
- Mushrooms: While cremini mushrooms are recommended, you can use button mushrooms, shiitake, or even portobello for a heartier flavor.
- Green beans: If you can’t find fresh green beans, frozen ones can work in a pinch. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to avoid sogginess.
- Onion: Instead of red onion, try shallots or even yellow onions for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Butter: For a vegan variation, you can use olive oil or plant-based butter instead of traditional butter.
- Chicken Stock: To make the recipe vegetarian or vegan, simply use vegetable broth in place of chicken stock.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a flavorful and healthy side dish.

1. Prepare the Green Beans
Start by trimming the ends of your fresh green beans. You can either snap them off by hand or use a sharp knife. Be sure to wash the beans thoroughly before cooking.
2. Blanch the Green Beans
Blanching is a crucial step to ensure your green beans retain their vibrant green color and firm texture. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the green beans. Let them cook for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are tender but still crisp. Immediately transfer the beans to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process and lock in the color. Drain and set aside.
3. Sauté the Mushrooms and Onion
In a large skillet, melt 1 ½ tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the sliced red onion (or shallot) and sauté for about 2 minutes until they start to soften. Add the thick-sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet and continue to sauté for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms release their liquid and turn golden brown.
4. Add the Green Beans
Once the mushrooms are nicely browned, add the blanched green beans to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine the flavors.
5. Add the Chicken Stock
Pour ¾ cup of low-sodium chicken stock into the skillet. Let it simmer with the vegetables for 3-5 minutes until the liquid reduces and the green beans absorb some of the savory stock flavor. You can add more chicken stock if you prefer a saucier consistency.
6. Season and Serve
Season the green beans and mushrooms with 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon of fresh black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
How to Cook Green Beans with Mushrooms: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Prepare and trim the green beans.
- Step 2: Blanch the green beans in boiling salted water.
- Step 3: Sauté red onions and mushrooms in butter.
- Step 4: Combine the blanched green beans with sautéed mushrooms.
- Step 5: Add chicken stock and simmer until reduced.
- Step 6: Season with salt and pepper, then serve.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even though this dish is simple to make, there are a few common mistakes that can alter the outcome:
- Overcooking the Green Beans: If you overcook the green beans, they’ll turn mushy. Always blanch for 3-4 minutes and then transfer to an ice bath.
- Not Reducing the Stock: Failing to reduce the stock can result in a watery dish. Make sure to let the stock simmer down to intensify its flavor.
- Using Low-Quality Mushrooms: Fresh, high-quality mushrooms make a big difference in flavor. Avoid using canned mushrooms or any that look dried out or slimy.
- Skipping the Butter: Butter adds a richness that is hard to replicate with oil. If you're not vegan, don't skip this step!
Serving and Presentation Tips
When serving green beans with mushrooms, presentation is key. While this dish is a perfect side for almost any meal, how you plate it can make all the difference.
- Use a wide, shallow serving dish to display the green beans evenly without overcrowding.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or thyme, to add a pop of color and freshness.
- If you want to add a touch of elegance, top with toasted almonds or Parmesan cheese shavings.
How to Serve Green Beans with Mushrooms
Green beans with mushrooms pairs well with a variety of main courses. Serve it alongside grilled or roasted meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork. It’s also a wonderful accompaniment to vegetarian mains like stuffed squash or lentil loaf. This dish is particularly popular during the holiday season as a lighter alternative to heavier sides.
Presentation Ideas for Green Beans with Mushrooms
Here are some presentation ideas to elevate your dish:
- Rustic serving platters: Place the beans and mushrooms on a rustic wooden or ceramic platter for a homey feel.
- Individual ramekins: Serve in small individual dishes for a more personalized touch.
- Layered look: Lay the green beans in rows on a platter and place the sautéed mushrooms in a pile in the center for a stylish presentation.
Green Beans with Mushrooms Recipe Tips
- Use fresh green beans for the best texture and flavor. Frozen beans will work, but fresh is always preferred.
- Season as you go to ensure every component of the dish is flavorful.
- Don’t skimp on the mushrooms—they add a wonderful earthy taste that complements the green beans beautifully.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the green beans and mushrooms separately, then combine them just before serving to save time.
- What can I use instead of chicken stock? You can use vegetable stock for a vegetarian version or water with a bit of salt if you don't have any stock on hand.
- Can I use frozen green beans? Yes, but adjust the cooking time as they will require less blanching and may be a bit softer than fresh beans.
- Is there a vegan option for this recipe? Absolutely! Just swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
- How can I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Green beans with mushrooms is a delightful and easy-to-make side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crisp green beans, savory mushrooms, and flavorful stock, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special holiday meal, this dish adds the perfect touch of flavor and nutrition to your plate. Ready to make it? Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delicious blend of flavors!
PrintGreen Beans With Mushrooms Recipe
This Green Beans with Mushrooms recipe is a flavorful combination of fresh green beans, cremini mushrooms, and a touch of butter. Perfect as a healthy side dish, it's seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and simmered in low-sodium chicken stock. Ideal for any meal, this recipe is simple yet delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 teaspoon Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh black pepper
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms, thickly sliced
- 1 small red onion, halved and thinly sliced (or shallot)
- 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- ¾ cup low-sodium chicken stock
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil, add green beans, and cook until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and mushrooms. Cook until softened.
- Stir in chicken stock, add green beans, and season with salt and pepper. Let cook until the liquid reduces. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve.
Notes
- Use shallot for a milder onion flavor.
- For a vegetarian option, substitute vegetable broth for chicken stock.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 105
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 240mg
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